Summary translation

For a long time the mixed farm was the standard model for Organic Farming. Since the nineteen eighties specialised cash crop farms without animal husbandry became more important in Germany. At present the functions of animal husbandry on organically managed farms are discussed controversially. From September 2002 to December 2003 a project concerning arable organic farming was carried out at the Department of Organic Agriculture of the University of Giessen. It was funded by the “Bundesprogramm Ökologischer Landbau” of the German Government. In a survey 55 advisers supplied broad information concerning the importance, the characteristics and the valuation of arable farms, resp. farms with low stocking rate. The arable cropping systems as well as the specific problems vary in a wide range. Compared with mixed farms arable farms were rated inferior in the sectors crop production and sustainability but rated superior in the sector economics. Organic farming without animal husbandry is accepted by most of the questioned advisers. Twelve successfully managed example farms without animal husbandry (resp. farms with low stocking rate) spread over entire Germany were evaluated. Considering detailed farm reports some experts commentated the farms. The comments were combined and structured according to different subjects. One main focus was on the sector nitrogen. Furthermore an overview about research projects concerning systems of arable organic farming was compiled. Particularly German projects were summarised but also some projects of other European countries. Within the context of the survey of the farm evaluation and of workshops several topics with a demand for research concerning arable farming were inquired. Important subjects were weed and nitrogen management for example. The results were combined with some additional contributions concerning topics of arable organic farming and published in the book „Viehloser Öko-Ackerbau – Beiträge, Beispiele, Kommentare“. This book can be used as a basis for farm planning and optimising, as material for education and as a source for forming of opinion regarding arable organic farming.